Celebrate the new year indoors or outdoors, with music or craft projects. Check out the plethora of events around the island.
Saturday, Dec. 29
Annual Audubon Bird Count, San Juan, Orcas and Lopez, free.
Young and old, experienced and novice, all avid bird fans are welcome. Citizens have recorded a rise in Anna’s hummingbirds and Eurasian collared-doves during the bird count, as well as a drop in the seabirds and shorebirds populations. For more information, visit www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count. Contact Barbara Jensen at 360-378-3068 to register.
Monday, New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31
Island Rec and The Whale Museum co-sponsor New Year’s Eve Family Celebration, 7-9 p.m., Brickworks, 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, free.
Island Rec and The Whale Museum are partnering for this New Year’s countdown celebration. Family, neighbors and friends of all ages are welcome. Participate in the Salish Sea-themed Clue, get a picture taken in the San Juan Party Pics photo booth, decorate hats, play Bingo and more. Bring a sweet or savory snack to share for this community event, or bring a set of decorated cupcakes to enter in the cupcake beauty pageant. A live stream of the New York City ball drop will play as well. This event has become a fun San Juan Island family tradition. As always, this is an alcohol-free event. Visit www.islandrec.org for more information.
San Juan Brewery, 9 p.m., 410 A St., Friday Harbor. Enjoy local band TFLOW and Friends as they ring in the new year. For more information, visit www.sanjuanbrew.com.
Rock in the New Year at Lakedale, 7 p.m., 4313 Roche Harbor Rd., San Juan Island.
Lakedale Resort will hold its third annual New Year’s Eve party featuring Brian Nova and his jazz band. At 7 p.m., refreshments will be served in the great room. The gourmet dinner, prepared by Duck Soup Inn chefs, will be served at 8 p.m. Live music begins at 10 p.m., and party favors will be handed out at midnight. Reserve space for this popular celebration. For more information, visit www.lakedale.com/rock-in-the-new-year-at-lakedale.
Tuesday, New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
Island Rec Resolution Run/Walk 5K, 10 a.m., Jackson Beach on Pear Point Road, San Juan Island, $10 for ages 16 and older, 15 and under are free.
Sprint into the new year at Island Rec’s fourth annual Resolution Run/Walk 5K. The route starts and ends at Jackson Beach so participants can enjoy an icy dip in the Salish Sea afterward. Fires will be built for swimmers to warm up by, and light refreshments will be available. For those who plan on swimming, Island Rec staff advises bringing a change of clothes. For more information or to register online, visit www.islandrec.org.
